Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman, is joining over 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

The trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel – will be planted in the Bexhill and Battle constituency.

They were donated to Mr Merriman thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April screened a landmark documentary, The Queen's Green Planet, following Her Majesty the Queen and this ambitious legacy project which brings together her deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees. 

At the heart of the film was a conversation between the Queen and Sir David Attenborough filmed in the gardens of Buckingham Palace last summer.  In a rare opportunity to see the Queen talking informally to Sir David, the conversation ranged from climate change, to conkers and, of course, trees, and was watched by 6.4 million viewers, making it ITV’s most watched factual programme of the year.

In support of the programme, the Woodland Trust provided 50,000 trees for ITV viewers, and also offered a special offer to every MP in the UK. Representing 220 square miles of rural East Sussex, Mr Merriman signed up on behalf of his constituents.

Speaking outside Parliament, the Bexhill and Battle MP said “With over 75% of my constituency being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we will not be short of places to plant these trees. In addition to marking the success of the Queen’s initiative, I hope we can leave lasting legacy of the service the Queen has devoted to our nation during her reign. As the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Bees and Pollinators, I am passionate about adding to our green landscape. I hope constituents will now get in touch with ideas for a location.”

Woodland Trust Chief Executive Rebecca Speight said “We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.  We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity. They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe. I hope the residents of Bexhill and Battle constituency will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”

Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe said “As the Woodland Trust’s largest corporate partner, we’re committed to raising awareness of the importance of the UK’s woods and trees, and contributing to their conservation. I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by woods, so trees have a particular resonance with me. Sainsbury’s recently planted its three millionth tree with the Trust, and the thought of being able to get so many more in the ground as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy with the support of so many MPs is an exciting prospect.”